Buffon retires after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 60 years

Italy, one of world football's most successful teams will not be going to next year's World Cup in Russia.

Italy, who have appeared at the finals of every World Cup since missing out in 1958, were held to a goalless draw by Sweden in Milan. The Swedes advance to next summer's tournament courtesy of an aggregate score of 1-0 for the playoff tie.

Sweden's players celebrate at the end of playoff match, which saw their team qualify for the tournament in Russia.

Despite peppering the Swedish goal with shots over the course of 90 minutes, Italy's formidable strike force could not break down their opponent's defense.

Sweden head to the finals for the first time since Germany 2006. Italy won that edition of the tournament.

Four-time winners Italy won't be the only big names who are missing FIFA's centerpiece tournament next summer.

Perennial favorites the Netherlands, back-to-back South American champions Chile, and the United States, which had been a fixture at the finals for the last seven tournaments, all failed to make the grade this time around.

And another World Cup behemoth came close to crashing out -- only a heroic, hat-trick performance by talisman Lionel Messi in their final game saved Argentina's blushes.

Landmark retirement
The loss also heralds the end of the career of Gianluigi Buffon, Italy's most-capped player and former captain.

Buffon cries after Italy is eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers by a 1-0 aggregate win by Sweden. 

"It's a shame my last official game coincided with the failure to qualify for the World Cup," he said, according to the BBC.
"Blame is shared equally between everyone. There can't be scapegoats."

His teammate Daniele De Rossi, who played for the azzuri 116 times, scoring 21 times, also announced he was hanging up his boots.


"My adventure here ends," he said, according to a tweet from his club, Roma. "It's sad to think this was the last time I will wear these colors. But I couldn't be more proud of the journey, everyone I've played alongside."

Buffon's Juventus teammate Giorgio Chellini is also expected to retire, and Italy boss Giampiero Ventura is also reportedly under fire and expected to resign.


The World Cup draw for the finals takes place in Moscow on Friday December 1.

CNN